SAN FRANCISCO, October 20, (THEWILL) – Barcelona superstar player Lionel Messi again provided the spark for 10-man Barcelona to clinch a 5-1 victory over Ferencvaros in a lively UEFA Champions League Group G opener, at Camp Nou.
Coach Ronald Koeman had commented coming into this fixture that the Argentine’s form ‘could be better’ and the talismanic number 10 responded with aplomb. The left-footed maestro exhibited cameos of genius to suggest he’s edging closer to peak performance again.
Messi won and converted a penalty to open the scoring on 27 minutes after the Hungarian champions had gone close through Brazilian Isael’s shot against the post. With the goal, Messi inked his name as the player to have scored in 16 consecutive Champions League seasons.
The Catalan giants were not complacent and switched up a gear as the game wore on. As a result, prior to the internal, Ansu Fati doubled the advantage for the hosts. He also entered the history books with his effort. The Spanish teenager becomes the first player ever to score two goals in the competition before his 18th birthday.
The two goalscorers, Messi and Fati, then combined brilliantly to set up Brazilian teammate Philippe Coutinho to rifle in a third on 52 minutes.
At this point, it looked like a case of how many the hosts will end the game with than what damage control the Hungarian visitors could put up. However, the domestic champions of Hungarian League – the Nemzeti Bajnokság, found a way back into the game 20 minutes from time when Gerard Pique was sent off for hauling down Tokmac Nguen, the Norwegian winger. Ukrainian central defensive midfielder Ihor Kharatin stepped up and sent Barca keeper Neto the wrong way from the spot.
Barca were decidedly forced back in the later stages but not for too long. The Blaugrana sprung forward intently to rubber-stamp victory as substitutes Pedri, in the 82nd minute and Ousmane Dembele in the 89th, both got in on the scoring act. There were two minutes of added time but it did nothing to affect the 5-1 scoreline.
The result sees Barca lead Group G on goal difference from Juventus at the end of Matchday One after the Old Lady won 2-0 at Dyamo Kiev.
Though Barca can take some positives from this game, bigger tests lie just around the corner. This new-look Barca have been solid yet unspectacular in their first few matches under Koeman. Today’s display was a fine attacking performance where the likes of Francisco Trincao, Fati and Messi linked superbly at times.
THEWILL believes Barca must plug holes in their defence line. They still appear vulnerable at the bank and tougher opponents will exploit and take advantage of every one of their vulnerabilities. The red card for Pique was a case in point, as Barca were finally made to pay for some weak concentration in their defence.
Koeman’s charges will next host Real Madrid in the traditional La Liga El Clasico on Saturday ahead of a trip to Juventus on Matchday Two of the Champions League on Wednesday, October 28. These pair of fixtures will be crucial to what Koeman is about in the new shape Barca.
Messi becomes the first player in Champions League history to score in 16 consecutive seasons. No player in the competition’s history has scored in more seasons overall than the Argentinian (and he is tied at 16 overall with ex-Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs).
Barcelona keep their unbeaten streak going with this victory. The Blaugrana are unbeaten in 37 Champions League home matches, a run that started in September 2013 (W33 D4).
Next up in Group G, Barcelona head to Juventus on Wednesday for what could be the latest head-to-head, the UEFA “El Clasico” between Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi. Ferencvaros host Kiev.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
